Commission joins NHRIs in calling for respect for international humanitarian law
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, in its capacity as a member of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), expresses its solidarity with all those affected by the current conflict in Gaza and Israel.
We reiterate GANHRI’s call “on all parties involved to immediately end the violations of international law, to ensure the full protection of all civilians, and to respect all principles under international law at all times, including the rules of distinction, precaution, legality, and proportionality.”
We also support its call for the “unconditional and safe release of all individuals who have been taken hostage by Palestinian armed groups” and for “international protection for all civilians, and immediate and unhindered humanitarian aid to people in Gaza.”
The Commission welcomes the Irish Government’s call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to allow aid to meet the urgent needs of the people of Gaza.
“The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission is part of a global community of human rights institutions. We stand with that community in expressing our deep concern at the unfolding humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, and our horror at the terror and killing inflicted on civilians in Israel by Hamas. The indiscriminate targeting of civilians within this conflict, and the collective punishment of a civilian population, are both violations of international humanitarian law.
We urge all actors to work to end the violation of international law, and to alleviate the suffering of innocent civilians.”
ENDS/
For further information, please contact:
Sarah Clarkin IHREC Communications Manager,
01 8592641 / 087 4687760
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Notes to editor:
GAHNRI statement: https://ganhri.org/ganhri-calls-for-respect-of-international-law-international-protection-of-civilians/
Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission is an independent public body, appointed by the President and directly accountable to the Oireachtas. The Commission has a statutory remit set out under the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act (2014) to protect and promote human rights and equality in Ireland, and build a culture of respect for human rights, equality and intercultural understanding in the State.
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission is Ireland’s national human rights institution and is recognised as such by the United Nations. The Commission is also Ireland’s national equality body for the purpose of a range of EU anti-discrimination measures.